Are we more connected than ever or more lonely than ever?

In this episode of Vote and Voice, I explore whether technology is actually making people feel more isolated, or if it’s simply changing what connection looks like.

On the surface, it’s easy to assume technology is the problem. People spend more time on their phones, face-to-face interaction has decreased in some settings, and social media can create constant comparison. It can feel like connection has been replaced by screens.

But at the same time, technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch, build relationships, and find communities for people who might not have access to those connections otherwise.

This episode breaks down that tension.

I look at the difference between quantity and quality of interaction, and how passive behaviors like scrolling compare to active communication like messaging or calling. I also explore how platform design which is driven by attention and engagement. This can influence how people experience connection.

Another key part of the discussion is perception. When people are constantly exposed to curated versions of others’ lives, it can change expectations and make their own social experiences feel lacking by comparison.

This isn’t about saying technology is entirely positive or negative. It’s about understanding how it shapes the way people connect, and why loneliness can still exist in a world that’s more connected than ever.

If you’ve ever felt like being online doesn’t always translate to feeling connected, this episode takes a closer look at why.

#technologyandsociety #digitalbehavior #socialconnection #moderncommunication #voteandvoice”